Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in taxes budget
Strong turnout in November 3 election
Seven election office employees will work five extra hours a week through November 3 for election training and workload. The county also submitted its Election Integrity grant closeout report for nearly $593,000.
2027 Budget Season Begins
The board set special meetings for the 2027 budget presentation and adoption, and commissioners noted budget work is ramping up quickly.
New SEIU Local 668 labor agreement
The county approved a four-year contract with its social services union, running through the end of 2029.
Liability insurance cost increase
The county's liability insurance came in 16 percent higher than the 12 percent increase it budgeted, requiring a $47,500 budget adjustment.
Election Integrity Grant Program funding
Vice Chairman Parker said he'll propose guidelines at the Election Board meeting after a conversation between an elected official and a borough employee about election strategy raised concerns about pressuring staff on political matters.
Bond arbitrage liabilities to U.S. Treasury
The county acknowledged owing the U.S. Treasury $789,023.71 in arbitrage on its 2021 bonds and $8,860.19 plus $292.90 interest on its 2022 bonds — a federal requirement when bond earnings exceed allowed levels.
Fixed-price natural gas and phone contracts
The county locked in natural gas at $5.59 per MCF for three years (lowest of three quotes) and switched to T-Mobile for Governments, which Vice-Chairman Parker said saves substantial money. A Starlink kit keeps county communications alive when cell networks jam up at the racetrack.
CSBG aid to Pike County human service agencies
Ten community organizations — from Meals on Wheels to Safe Monroe to the Salvation Army — will share $380,840 in community services block grant money this year.
Hotel tax grants for community events
Seven local events and groups got hotel-tax money, from $150 for Founders' Day to $15,000 for the Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder West End Fireman's Festival and $10,000 for Stroudsburg's America 250 events.
Emergency shelter funding shift
The county moved $45,090 of federal ESG homelessness funds from prevention and rapid rehousing into the emergency shelter line for 2024-2026.
Old County Jail roof grant pursuit
The county will apply for a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation grant to replace the Old County Jail's roof.
Food assistance funding for local pantries
The county executed $279,220 in State Food Purchase Program contracts with nine local food pantries and outreach groups, from Bushkill Outreach to the Salvation Army soup kitchen.